Madagascar's Military Seizes Power Amid Widespread Protests and Dissent

Mass protests against President Andry Rajoelina have been underway for weeks, with widespread dissent within the armed forces contributing to the current power vacuum. The crisis deepened on Tuesday after the elite military unit declared it had seized power, following an overwhelming vote by parliament to impeach President Rajoelina. Colonel Michael Randrianirina announced the formation of a transitional council and the suspension of the constitution, the High Constitutional Court, the Senate, and the National Independent Electoral Commission. The lower house of parliament remains intact, with a prime minister to be appointed and a referendum to be held within two years to determine Madagascar's future political direction.

Key Takeaways:

• The elite military unit, CAPSAT, has declared it has seized power in Madagascar, citing the formation of a transitional council to meet the aspirations of the Malagasy people.
• Parliament voted 130 to 1 to impeach President Andry Rajoelina, rejecting his attempt to dissolve the chamber just hours before.
• The National Assembly's vice president, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, called the president's dissolution decree 'devoid of legal validity.'
• President Rajoelina fled the country aboard a French army aircraft on Sunday, despite reports of his government's involvement being denied by French President Emmanuel Macron.
• The protests, led by Gen Z activists, have drawn tens of thousands to the streets, fueled by grievances against corruption, poverty, and the soaring cost of living.
• At least 22 people have been killed and over 100 injured since the unrest began, according to United Nations figures, although government officials have disputed the toll.
• The military council has pledged to restore stability and meet the aspirations of the Malagasy people, although few details have been provided about the transition ahead.

Statistics:

• At least 22 people have died and over 100 injured since the unrest began.
• Tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets, led by Gen Z activists.
• The National Assembly voted 130 to 1 to impeach President Rajoelina.
• President Rajoelina fled the country aboard a French army aircraft on Sunday.
• The protests began on September 25 over crippling power cuts and water shortages.

Sources:

• United Nations figures on the number of killed and injured in the unrest.
• Reports on President Rajoelina's flight and potential government involvement.
• Statements from Colonel Michael Randrianirina and the National Assembly's vice president, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko.